The News Agents - USA

Pete Hegseth took an absolute pummelling in the Senate as he tried to make the continued case for Trump's war in Iran. It wasn't just the Democrats getting exasperated - Louisiana Senator John Kennedy said the situation was as serious as "four strokes and a heart attack" - and lambasted the lack of "straight answers" coming from the Secretary of War.
Trump insisted yesterday that Iran's threats over the Strait of Hormuz "won't have any impact" on him - but is that wishful thinking? Republicans are getting increasingly itchy to bring this thing to a close. So far, Trump's shown no sign of backing down, but could they force his hand? Jon discusses with Miles Taylor.
Later, why 'Blue MAGA" is taking over the Democratic party - and how Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband should try and handle the White House.
The News Agents USA is a Global Production.
The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

ICE agents have been instructed to immediately suspend vehicle stops during enforcement operations nationwide. It follows two fatal shootings in Texas and Maine over the last week. Are things getting out of control again? Or are ICE about to double down? And how are Americans reacting? Former Chief of Staff at Homeland Security, Miles Taylor joins us.
Later, we look back the strange legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham. How did he go from Trump critic to ally? And what was his impact on US politics?
The News Agents is a Global Production.
The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

There were so many signs that Graham Platner was a flawed candidate. A history of offensive social media posts, A tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. A sexting scandal. And last month, a series of ex-partners accusing Platner of erratic and angry behaviour. But it wasn't until this week, when a woman told CNN that she had been sexually assaulted by Platner, that his position became untenable as the Democrat vying for a Senate seat in Maine. He denies the allegations - and has hit out at a "political establishment" trying to bring him down. But is the truth that the Dems should have cut him loose much sooner? In the search for authenticity, did the party embrace someone it should have been much more wary of? And, like with Biden, have they jeopardised their chances in Maine by leaving the search for a replacement until the last minute?
Later, is Mitch McConnell alive? That's the question one GOP Congressman was unable to answer earlier this week. The 84-year-old has been in hospital for weeks and there has been a series of recent incidents prompting fresh concerns about his health. Some MAGA figures are demanding proof of life. Why does America's political system keep churning out octogenarians?
The News Agents USA is a Global Production.
The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

President Donald Trump made more than $1bn last year from business dealings in cryptocurrency. This week's disclosure shows his crypto earnings now far overshadow income from his real estate business.
On this week's episode we ask why nobody seems to have too much of a problem with it?
Later, we discuss this week's Supreme Court judgments, where Trump's plan to over-turn the right to birthright citizenship failed.
The News Agents USA is a Global production.
The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

There was something of a political earthquake in New York overnight. Three left wing Democratic candidates, endorsed by Mamdani, sweeping out established Congressional characters and hailing in a new era of progressive politics in the Big Apple.
Mamdani's political stardust shows little sign of waning - is he now the most powerful figure in his party? And what does that mean for the future of the Dems?
We speak to Ben Rhodes, one of Barack Obama's closest aides during his presidency, and author of a new book 'All We Can Say' - a history of America through political speeches - about the magic of Mamdani, and the malice of Donald Trump.
The News Agents USA is a Global Production.
The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/